• J-Y Maigne, I Pigeau, N Aguer, L Doursounian, and G Chatellier.
• Physical Medicine, Paris University Hospital, Paris, France. jy.maigne@htd.aphp.fr
• Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011 Jun 1;47(2):245-51.

BackgroundLittle is known about coccydynia in adolescents.AimThe aim of this study was to explore causes, clinical and imaging features and response to treatment of chronic coccydynia in adolescents.DesignThis was a cohort study.SettingThe study included patients followed up at a specialized consultation in a university hospital.MethodsA series of 53 adolescent patients with chronic coccydynia were followed for 1-4 years. Investigations included dynamic X-ray films, with a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the coccyx in 26/53. Treatment was by coccygeal steroid injection or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Amitriptyline or coccygectomy were used as second-line treatment. Outcomes were assessed at a consultation two months after the treatment, then between one to four years later, by telephone interview, questionnaires and by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Fifty-one adult patients with coccydynia formed the control group.ResultsIn 20 cases (37.7%) the coccydynia was subsequent to trauma. Obesity was not a risk factor. Abnormal mobility was rarer and spicules more frequent compared to adult patients (P<0.001); 11/27 MRI scans showed a hypersignal within the disc or adjacent bone and 6/27 a hypersignal surrounding the tip of the coccyx (bursitis). Initial treatment was a coccygeal steroid injection for 41 patients and NSAIDs for 12. Ten were given amitriptyline and 3 a coccygectomy. At final assessment, there was no pain or almost no pain in 32/53 (60.4%), moderate pain and functional impairment in 12/53 (22.6%) and severe pain and functional impairment in 9/53 (17%).ConclusionCoccydynia in adolescents differs from coccydynia in adults. A MRI scan is helpful and should be obligatory for diagnosis. Prognosis is relatively good.Clinical Rehabilitation ImpactOur results should help clinicians manage this rare and debilitating condition.

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